Chosen by a former Olympic swimmer to train for the 2016 Games as a pre-teen, Reed’s journey begins. Along the way, he develops feelings for two childhood friends: neighbor Cal and lifelong rival Mathias. Cal’s struggle with his sexuality brings tragedy. Mathias’s wealth makes Reed feel as if they’re from different worlds.<br><br>As Rio approaches, Mathias becomes a gay sports icon, while Reed must hide his sexuality for a lucrative endorsement deal important to his family’s future. Reed’s unresolved desires for both men remain, and so do the things that have kept them apart. Has Reed grown enough to navigate rougher waters, to find truth, pride, victory, and love?

Truth, Pride, Victory, Love

“I don’t remember the words, just the superior air of repulsion.”


“I think you misjudged that conversation.”


“Fine.” Mathias finally flipped me onto my back so he was on top. I finally let him. “Is this our last hurdle? One we have to talk about before we finally fuck? Okay. My parents disapprove, Reed.” He rolled off, off me, and then off the bed, until he stood beside it, his head turned away. “Like Romeo and Juliet, whatever will we do if our families take to warring?” The back of his hand slapped his forehead in dramatic fashion. “Don’t they understand our love is more important than the difference in our bank accounts?”


“You’re being an idiot.” Though I didn’t hate the part where he flounced about naked and feigned a dead faint onto the bed, I was never a fan of being mocked.


Chapter 102